Looking for a job?: Cadillac area attracting businesses, jobs

Whether it is a new restaurant, retail store, hospital or even an ethanol plant, the Cadillac area is doing something most of the state wants to - attracting businesses and jobs.

There are jobs where extensive education or certification is needed as well as jobs where a good attitude and friendly smile are the only requirements.

One place that is expecting to employee 60 to 80 people for a Sept. 11 grand opening is the new Culver's in Cadillac. These jobs include full-time and part-time positions ranging from management to cash register and cooking, according to Cadillac Culver's Owner/operator Jim Gerry.

“All we need is a good attitude, good smile and a hard work ethic. Our management team has been hired but we will be hiring crew chiefs,” Gerry said. “It will be continuous but we will always accept walk-ins.”

A retailer also is going to calling Cadillac its new home.

Peebles is scheduled for a Sept. 20 opening and Human Resources Director Tim Moyer said the store should employ between 15 to 18 part-time and full-time positions.

“What we typically do is hire between 40 and 50 associates but we over-hire,” Moyer said. “Two to four weeks after the opening we will employ three to five full-time associates and 10 to 12 part-time associates.”

At Mercy Hospit al in Cadillac, there is a constant search for talent, according to Human Resource Director Peter Lanc.

Through various ties with colleges and universities like Baker College and Ferris State, Lanc said the idea is to have the employment pipeline always flowing. Likewise, he said the hospital is always willing to take applications for most positions.

“Health care is the biggest employer in Michigan, it isn't automotive or manufacturing. For youngsters, health care is up there for opportunities,” he said. “We are constantly looking for talent in the area. It is one of the things where you don't want the pipeline to be dry. We always have contacts and links to fill positions.”

A new industry that will create jobs and produce alternative fuels also is coming to the Cadillac area.

NextGen Energy LLC of Southfield announced McBain was chosen as the location of the new $106 million plant. NextGen also looked at Cadillac, Kingsley, Gaylord and Manistee as possible locations.

The plant, which is likely to begin production in early 2008, is expected to create 40 jobs in the community and affect others as well.

rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

Your Local Connection

€ The Cadillac area is known for its lakes and natural beauty. Now it also is starting to be known for attracting jobs.

€ One place that is expecting to employee 60 to 80 people for a Sept. 11 grand opening is the new Culver's in Cadillac. These jobs include full time and part time positions ranging from management to cash register and cooking.

€ A retailer also is going to calling Cadillac its new home. Peebles is scheduled for a Sept. 20 opening and the store should employ between 15 to 18 part-time and full-time positions.

€ NextGen Energy LLC of Southfield announced McBain was chosen as the location of the new $106 million plant. The plant, which is likely to begin production in early 2008, is expected to create 40 jobs in the community and affect others as well.